Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Booty Is the Man to Beat in Heisman Chase

USC quarterback John David Booty, left, is the frontrunner to win the Heisman, according to odds listed on the Internet.

Three of the past five Heismans have gone to players from USC, including quarterbacks Carson Palmer in 2002 and Matt Leinart in 2004. Reggie Bush won the award in 2005.

Chris Huston, who runs the site Heisman Pundit, outlined several reasons why Booty was considered the frontrunner when he was a guest on the radio show last weekend. You can listen to that interview by clicking here.

Huston also mentioned several darkhorse candidates, including Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller, who was not singled out on Bodog's list. Keller falls under field (all other players) and his chances are 7-1.

Unlike Booty, Keller's campaign is unique. His chances are not as strongly tied to Nebraska's record, much like Booty's are to USC, and he will have the opportunity to put up monster games against some questionable secondaries in the Big 12.

Yes, Brohm is a slight favorite on Bodog, but the post has been amended to include a second source, Vegas Insider, which was also cited by the Los Angeles Times as making Booty the frontrunner ahead of Brohm.

I claim that smart money is on Keller. Before his hand injury (around halftime against USC in '06), the man was astoundingly unstoppable. He's not a great character, but he's an excellent college quarterback.

The guy was the # 1 recruit a few years ago, and got sick and tired of backing up Chris Leak at Florida, so he transferred to be a Terp. He's the first QB that head coach Ralph Friedgen has had who runs the offense Friedgen runs - an option one - and Portis, who's cousin is Clinton, is the speediest guy on the team. Wins versus big ACC schools get you noticed, and there really aren't that many big names this year; no super-front runners, besides Brohm and Booty; but Booty is a bitch, and Brohm has a new coach ...